Eloquence
The ability to speak or write with fluency and persuasiveness; a skillful, effective use of language to sway an audience.
nounEloquence
The ability to speak or write with fluency and persuasiveness; a skillful, effective use of language to sway an audience.
nounImagine This
Princess Diana wore elegant dresses and also gave powerful and compassionate speeches. She will always be remembered as a 'people' princess.
Sounds Like
eh-LOH-kwəns
Looks Like
eloquent (related adjective)
Remember This
Eloquence is the noun form of eloquent; it denotes the quality of persuasive, fluent speech, not just grammar.
Other Forms
Connect With
articulate, persuasive, oratory, rhetoric, fluency
Note
Common confusion: don't mix up eloquence (noun) with eloquent (adjective) or eloquently (adverb).
Study Deeper
- Her eloquence in delivering the keynote speech moved the audience.
- The senator spoke with eloquence about reform, winning broad support.
From Old French eloquence, from Latin eloquentia, from eloquens 'speaking out', from loqui 'to speak'.
ELOQUENCE = ELOQUENT + ENCE. Remember that the noun form is built from the adjective eloquent by adding the suffix -ence, which signals a quality or state.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Articulate
adjectiveHaving or showing the ability to express ideas clearly and effectively in speech.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling